Evaluation of HOST

November 2004

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

• Context for the Evaluation
• Scope and Objectives of the Evaluation
• Methodology Overview
• Overview of Findings and Conclusions
• Challenges
• Recommendations and Management Response

1.0 Introduction

• 1.1 Context for the Evaluation
• 1.2 Host Program Description
• 1.3 Scope and Objectives of the Evaluation
• 1.4 Methodology Overview and Caveats
• 1.5 Organization of the Report

2.0 Appropriateness of Delivery

• 2.1 Ongoing Role for the Government of Canada
• 2.2 Criteria are Appropriate
• 2.3 Making the Case for Community-Based Services
• 2.4 Level of Flexibility is Appropriate
• 2.5 Host Complements and Supports other Immigration Programs

3.0 Overall Success of the Program

• 3.1 Host Meeting Needs and Expectations of Clients
• 3.2 Clients Highly Satisfied with Host
• 3.3 Host is Considered Effective
• 3.4 Access to Host is Limited

4.0 Adequacy of Capacity and Service Gaps

• 4.1 Lack of Funding Identified as a Major Issue
• 4.2 Moderate Levels of Satisfaction with CIC Tools and Support
• 4.3 Some Inconsistencies and Gaps in Volunteer Management
• 4.4 Awareness of Host is Limited
• 4.5 The Matching Process is Considered Appropriate
• 4.6 Some Gaps in Information Sharing
• 4.7 Some Data Inconsistencies and Inadequacies

5.0 Summary of Findings by Evaluation Issue

6.0 Challenges

• Volunteerism on the decline
• Different levels of services available in regions/communities

7.0 Recommendations and Management Response

Appendix A: Methodology

• Data and Document Review
• Interviews with CIC HQs, Regions and Local Offices
• Interviews with Service Providers and Stakeholder Organizations
• Focus Groups with Clients
• Focus Groups with Volunteers
• Survey of Service Providers

Appendix B: List of Key Informants/ Focus Groups

Appendix C: Case Studies

• Conversation Circles
• Business Mentoring (Volunteer Learning Placements)

Appendix D: List of Evaluation Issues and Questions

Final Report
Evaluation and Performance Measurement Unit
Priorities, Planning and Research Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Acknowledgement
This report was prepared with the assistance of Goss Gilroy Inc.